Advanced exercises of Sweep Picking

In this section we will analyze various phrases for sweep picking. These being advanced exercises, it is obviously best for those who have not reached a good preparation level to return to the previous sections. Every exercise is analyzed to simplify its learning, but also to provoke you to develop some of your own phrases. With this system you can use the sweep picking for melody within your solos, making them harmonically richer and also more interesting from a technical aspect.

Ex #1

This phrase, made of two measures, has a harmonic base of Am in the first measure, and a succession of four quarter note chords played in beat on each of the four movements of the second measure. An arpeggio is played on the chord of Am on the minor triad of A and, on the last movement of the bar, a sequence of notes corresponding to a triad of G that come before the arrival of the G major chord. In fact, its good to anticipate a chord change with some note, to prepare the listener for the different harmony.
In the second measure, two sequences of notes are played in sweep that coincide with the F chord (second movement) and again the G (third movement). The G# and B notes played in octave close the melodic line preparing for the arrival of the new Am chord. As usual, follow closely the picking and initially play very slowly.

Ex #2

A succession of chords with a classical harmony. Watch the rhythmic division.

Ex #3

A jazz phrase to be played on Fmaj7, that includes some out notes. As you can see, the picking is quite complicated, so therefore I strongly recommend that you follow the indicated picking.

Ex #4

This phrase is developed over three chords. Pay attention to the extended stretching of the fingers of the left hand.

In the next page you will find an interesting exercise that uses the entire fretboard, and allows you to combine a sequence of sixteenth notes with alternate and sweep picking.

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